Notary services in Dubai are an essential part of legal, commercial, and personal transactions. From property transfers and powers of attorney to corporate resolutions and affidavits, notarisation ensures documents are legally valid and enforceable. However, many individuals and businesses are unsure about the difference between public notary services and private notary services in Dubai.
This FAQ explains the differences in detail, helping residents, expatriates, and companies understand when to approach the Notary Public Dubai system and when to engage Dubai lawyers offering private notary services.
What Is a Notary Public in Dubai?
A Notary Public in Dubai is an authorised legal official responsible for authenticating documents, verifying identities, witnessing signatures, and certifying legal instruments. Notarisation confirms that documents are signed voluntarily, by competent parties, and in compliance with UAE law.
Notary services in Dubai are required to:
- Make contracts legally binding
- Validate powers of attorney
- Certify affidavits and declarations
- Authenticate corporate and commercial documents
- Certify true copies of official documents
Whether for personal, corporate, or international use, notarised documents are widely recognised by courts, government departments, banks, and private institutions across the UAE. Dubai lawyers frequently guide clients on which documents require notarisation to ensure enforceability and regulatory compliance.
Legal Framework Governing Notary Services in Dubai
Notary services in Dubai operate under UAE legislation that regulates both government notaries and private notaries. The law authorises selected legal professionals to perform notarial acts under strict supervision by Dubai Courts.
Under this framework:
- Public notaries are employed by Dubai Courts
- Private notaries are licensed and registered legal professionals
- Both are legally empowered to notarise documents
- Notarised documents carry equal legal value when properly executed
This system allows flexibility while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the Notary Public Dubai system.
What Are Public Notary Services in Dubai?
Definition
Public notary services are provided by government-appointed notaries working under Dubai Courts. These notaries operate from official notary public offices and follow standardised procedures established by judicial authorities.
Common Public Notary Services
- Notarisation of powers of attorney
- Authentication of contracts and agreements
- Certification of affidavits and declarations
- Verification of signatures
- Certification of documents for official use
Key Characteristics
- Government-appointed officials
- Fixed office locations and working hours
- Standardised procedures and formats
- Government-regulated fee structure
- Widely recognised by all UAE authorities
Public notary services are often chosen for routine or straightforward documents where legal advice or custom drafting is not required.
What Are Private Notary Services in Dubai?
Definition
Private notary services in Dubai are offered by licensed legal professionals, often experienced Dubai lawyers, who are officially authorised to perform notarial acts outside government notary offices.
Although private notaries operate independently, they must comply with the same legal standards and regulations as public notaries.
Key Features of Private Notary Services
- Provided by authorised lawyers or legal consultants
- Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends
- Available at law firm offices, client premises, or online
- Often combined with legal drafting and advisory services
- Suitable for complex or high-value transactions
Private notary services are especially useful for businesses, investors, and individuals who require convenience, speed, and legal expertise alongside notarisation.
Main Differences Between Public and Private Notary Services
| Aspect | Public Notary Services | Private Notary Services |
| Authority | Government-employed notaries | Licensed Dubai lawyers authorised as notaries |
| Location | Dubai Courts notary offices | Law firms, offices, client location, or online |
| Working Hours | Fixed government hours | Flexible, extended, and on-demand |
| Fees | Government-regulated and generally lower | Higher due to added legal services |
| Legal Advice | Not provided | Often included |
| Turnaround Time | Standard processing | Faster or express options available |
| Convenience | Formal and structured | Highly customised |
Both options fall under the Notary Public Dubai system and are legally valid.
When Should You Use Public Notary Services in Dubai?
Public notary services are ideal when:
- Your document is standard and straightforward
- You do not need legal drafting or interpretation
- You prefer fixed government fees
- Time sensitivity is not a major concern
Common use cases include:
- Basic powers of attorney
- Simple contracts
- Affidavits and declarations
- Certified true copies of documents
For individuals who are comfortable with standard procedures and official office visits, public notary services remain a reliable option.
When Should You Use Private Notary Services in Dubai?
Private notary services are recommended when:
- Documents are complex or high-value
- Legal advice or drafting is required
- You need faster processing
- You require mobile or online notarisation
- Your schedule does not align with government office hours
Common scenarios include:
- Corporate resolutions and shareholder agreements
- Property transactions with tailored clauses
- Commercial contracts involving multiple parties
- International transactions requiring legal oversight
In such cases, Dubai lawyers acting as private notaries provide both notarisation and legal guidance in a single process.
Cost Differences Between Public and Private Notary Services
Public Notary Fees
Public notary fees are set by Dubai authorities and are generally lower. Costs depend on the type of document and its legal nature. Fees are transparent and consistent across public notary offices.
Private Notary Fees
Private notary services typically cost more because they may include:
- Legal drafting or review
- Urgent or express processing
- On-site or mobile services
- Legal consultation
While private services are more expensive, many clients find the added convenience and legal assurance valuable.
Do Private Notary Documents Have the Same Legal Validity?
Yes. Documents notarised by authorised private notaries have the same legal force and recognition as those notarised by public notaries, provided the private notary is officially licensed and registered with Dubai Courts.
Such documents are accepted by:
- UAE courts
- Government authorities
- Banks and financial institutions
- Private companies
- Foreign authorities (subject to attestation if required)
This legal equivalence ensures confidence when using private notary services through qualified Dubai lawyers.
Role of Dubai Lawyers in Notary Services
Dubai lawyers play an important role in the notarisation process, especially in private notary services.
Document Drafting
Lawyers ensure documents are legally sound, clear, and compliant with UAE law before notarisation.
Legal Advice
They explain legal implications, rights, obligations, and potential risks associated with the document.
Notarisation
Many law firms offer in-house private notary services, simplifying the process for clients.
Post-Notarisation Support
Lawyers assist with translation, attestation, and submission to relevant authorities if required.
This integrated approach reduces errors and delays.
Availability of Online and e-Notary Services
Dubai has introduced electronic notary services, allowing certain documents to be notarised digitally using secure authentication systems. These services benefit:
- Overseas clients
- Business owners with limited time
- Individuals unable to attend in person
Dubai lawyers often help clients determine eligibility for online notarisation and manage the digital process correctly.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Notary Service in Dubai
Both public and private notary services are integral parts of the Notary Public Dubai system. The correct choice depends on your needs, urgency, and the complexity of your documents.
Choose Public Notary Services If:
- Your document is simple and standard
- You prefer government-set fees
- Legal advice is not required
Choose Private Notary Services If:
- You need legal guidance from experienced Dubai lawyers
- Your transaction is complex or time-sensitive
- You require flexible, mobile, or online services
In many cases, working with Dubai lawyers who offer private notary services provides a comprehensive solution that combines legal expertise with efficient notarisation.
